Gregg Hansford 1952 – 1995

Australia has produced many champion motorcycle racers, but few have been as cool and capable as Gregg Hansford.

This is a great video, narrated by Neil Crompton, from back in 1987. It tells the story of a man who was not only a world class rider, but a star in Australian Touring Car racing, winning the 1988 Sandown 500, 1993 Bathurst 1000, and the 1994 Bathurst 12 hour.

By all accounts he was also fantastic company, a true gentleman and a complete professional. Certainly somebody you would want on your team.

He was a pioneer for Australians in Grand Prix Motorcycle racing, scoring a factory Kawasaki ride for 1978 after landing in Europe in 1975.

Gregg proved he had serious talent, finishing 2nd in the world 250cc championship and third in the world 350cc championship in 1978. In 1979 he repeated the result, but missed his goal of the Championship, being defeated by Kawasaki Team mate Kork Ballington who took the title in both classes in both years

He did prove that Aussie riders could win at this level, racking up 10 Grand Prix victories and paved the way for riders like Gardner, Magee and Doohan.

Hansford was also one of only a few men to conquer the fearsome Kawasaki KR750 triple which he raced at Daytona and later thrilled Aussie fans with it at Wanneroo in 1975.

Sadly, Hansford died in a crash at the 250kph turn one at Phillip Island during a 2.0 Super Tourer race in 1995.